970 Grand County

Gaylene

Welcome to the 970 Grand County Podcast. This podcast explores the Colorado towns with the 970 area code (Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, and Grand Lake), including events, lodging specials, and tips on visiting the area, interviews, and much more.

  1. 07/17/2025

    When adventure calls in Grand County, safety should answer first.

    Sheriff Brett Schroetlin joins us to discuss essential summer safety tips for navigating Grand County during peak tourist season and wildfire conditions. We cover critical safety measures for outdoor recreation and emergency preparedness while exploring how visitors and locals alike can enjoy our beautiful mountain paradise responsibly. • Wildfire prevention remains crucial as June's rainfall created abundant vegetation that's now drying into potential fuel • Properly extinguishing campfires requires thorough watering and stirring repeatedly, as emergency services responded to 6-8 unattended fires over July 4th weekend • "Slow down and move over" is the essential traffic safety message, especially around construction zones and emergency responders • Water recreation safety requires wearing PFDs at all times, even for experienced swimmers, due to cold water temperatures • Hiking safely means communicating your plans, bringing essential supplies, and recognizing when to turn back • Grand County's evacuation map system divides the region into approximately 90 zones to streamline emergency communication • Taking a "tactical pause" before activities is the sheriff's key recommendation for preventing accidents and ensuring everyone's safety Remember to check the Sheriff's Office website for the interactive evacuation map and familiarize yourself with your zone before an emergency occurs.

    21 min
  2. 07/02/2025

    Holding Space for Change: The Continuing Legacy of Shadowcliff

    Shadowcliff, a mountain lodge and retreat center in Grand Lake, Colorado, was built by 650 volunteers from 42 countries over 25 years and continues its mission of transformation through artist residencies, workshops, and community events. Alexander Thompson, grandson of the founders, shares the remarkable story of how his grandparents' vision expanded from a family cabin to creating a place where everyone could experience the magic of Grand Lake. • Founded in 1954 when a Kansas campus minister and nurse visited Grand Lake and fell in love with the area • Built on a cliff overlooking Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake with volunteer labor and minimal professional help • Hosts 12-20 group retreats each summer including HIV wellness weekends, Tai Chi intensives, and writing workshops • Launching new artist residency programs bringing nationally recognized creative professionals to engage with the community • Borders Rocky Mountain National Park with immediate access to trails and stunning natural features • Offers affordable accommodations in two lodges and three cabins with rates ranging from $100-465 per night • Operates as a nonprofit organization with intentionally communal spaces designed to foster connection • Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day with special events like a Fourth of July celebration Visit our website to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or to make a reservation. Join us on July 4th for dinner, music, and the best fireworks viewing in Grand County from our cliff-top bonfire!

    28 min
  3. 04/07/2025

    Mountain Retreat: A Conversation with Hayden Hughes from Arapaho Valley Ranch

    Step into the storied wilderness of Grand County, Colorado as Hayden Hughes, Ranch Manager at Arapaho Valley Ranch, reveals the remarkable journey of this mountain retreat. From its origins as a girls' camp in 1896 through its evolution into a beloved dude ranch, this 40-acre sanctuary nestled against national forest has welcomed generations of adventure-seekers and nature lovers. Our conversation peels back the layers of history as Hayden recounts how buildings from condemned ranches were salvaged when Lake Granby was created, finding new purpose at what would become Arapahoe Valley Ranch. The property's rich legacy continued through multiple owners who preserved its character while adding their own chapters to its story. In 2021, a family who had fallen in love with the ranch as guests purchased it, ensuring its traditions would continue while breathing new life into its infrastructure. Today's Arapaho Valley Ranch offers an impressive spectrum of accommodations—from luxury cabins that sleep up to 18 people to glamping tents, yurts, teepees, and traditional campsites. The all-inclusive experience provides guests with complimentary bikes, fishing poles, paddleboards, canoes, and access to recreational facilities that appeal to visitors of all ages. Families enjoy the playground and various activities, while adventure-seekers appreciate the proximity to Monarch Lake, Grand Lake, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Discover the charming additions that connect guests to the ranch experience, including a daily "duck walk" where newly acquired ducks parade to the property's pond, and the preservation of 30-40 original saddles from its dude ranch days. Perhaps most impressive is the ranch's commitment to sustainability with a recently installed solar array that has dramatically reduced generator use—sometimes allowing the property to operate completely on solar power for days at a time. Whether you're planning a family reunion, dream mountain wedding, or simply seeking an authentic Rocky Mountain getaway, Arapahoe Valley Ranch offers a unique blend of history, comfort, and adventure in one of Colorado's most spectacular settings. Visit their website or social media channels to begin planning your own chapter in this continuing mountain legacy.

    11 min

About

Welcome to the 970 Grand County Podcast. This podcast explores the Colorado towns with the 970 area code (Winter Park, Fraser, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, and Grand Lake), including events, lodging specials, and tips on visiting the area, interviews, and much more.

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